From ancient byways to modern highways, glimpses offaith are everywhere...

Monday, November 17, 2014

National Cathedral: Should there even be one?

Washington National Cathedral (LOC photo)

While the battle rages on about whether or not a Muslim prayer service should be conducted at the Washington National Cathedral, a more fundamental question is being overlooked: Should there even be a “National” house of worship that is firmly rooted in one particular religion?

The National Cathedral’s Strategic Plan 2015states: The Cathedral’s
founders established it to have special

significance for
American public life… It also overlooks

the houses of
government where the country’s path is

chartered… The coming years will see the Cathedral seek leadership to the
nation as well as to become a more welcome portal
into Christianity...

How well does this strategy align with the Establishment

Clause of the First Amendment? Does it become way too

dangerously close to presenting Christianity as America’s

“National” religion?

In light of that danger, welcoming Muslims (or those of many other faiths) to host their own worship services within this “National” site seems only right and good. Nevertheless, the Franklin Grahams of America are voicing their harsh disapproval with words such as these: It’s sad to see a church open its doors to
the worship of anything
other than the One True God of the Bible who sent His
Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to earth to save us
from our sins.

Some might reply: “Mr.
Graham, is it not much sadder to see a church doubling up as an American